Here's The Scoop
If you have any questions about erika, who I am what I do - you have landed on the right page!
Musical Work Experience:
erika may’s first gig was on the cello at eight years old. The performance, solo cello with an ensemble of violins, was for the King of Norway!
She grew up performing in the family orchestra. Her mother, a professional violinist, arranged hymns and classical pieces for the family to perform. Concerts (gig) were at churches, on an ocean liner, and in private homes.
The Randolph Players on the Ocean Liner - that's me in the middle with my cello
A highlight of her career was performing on the alto recorder an early music rendition of Bach’s ‘Mass in B Minor’ with the St Louis Symphony Orchestra directed by Hans Vonk,
She also performed on the sopranino recorder for Goehr’s opera ‘Arrianna’ with the St. Louis Opera Theater directed by David Loebel.
It’s always fun to jam out on the blues. On this photo, erika may joins the MudCats on their set at the Silver City blues Festival.
During an extended stay in Missouri, erika may completed an artist in residency for the Steelville, MO Arts Council. The residency culminated in a performance featuring original songs written by erika for voice, cello, and flute with belly dance. The concert included Astor Piazzolla’s Tango Etudes for Solo Flute.
erika may and Salwa
During her stay in Missouri, erika may went into the recording studio with Bliss Hippy, adding flute tracks on their cd “Buddha Face”
She also performed with the Farshid Etniko band, the Aalim Dance Company, Jamie Zane Smith, guitarists Tim Fisher, Randy Bahr, Tom Byrne, Carol Eder, and more.
check out this video: Well You Needn’t flute and guitar duo with Tim Fisher.
erika may and Farshid sound checking for the gig at Gallery Zeke in Steelville, MO
Favorites:
It’s with great pleasure that erika may performs with great friends and musicians such as Carol Eder - jazz guitarist, Farshid Soltanshahi - middle-eastern latin jazz guitarist, Javier Padial - classical guitarist.
Bands:
Zambra - a Sephardic music led by her wonderful friend Rabbi James Stone Goodman, (listen to “Yom Zeh”) The Speckled Band, an English Country Dance band fronted by Paul Stammler, jazz standards with the Tina Jones Trio and erika may’s own jazz quartet, Rouged
Early Music / Classical
erika may performed as a founding member of the Westminster Recorder Consort led by counter tenor Willard Cobb, guest appearances with the Bach Society of St Louis, and regularly performs with Classy Bach, a baroque trio.She often performs with Javier Padial - guitarist classical, latin & jazz and with Juliane Horvath in a classical duo of flute – piano.
A recent side project was to perform with master herbalist and singer-songwriter Stephen Harrod Buhner (http://gaianstudies.org/Stephen.html) providing backup vocals and flute accompaniment.
you can hear a sample at www.reverbnation.com/erikamay and listen to the track Summertime.
erika may accompanies Stephen Buhner in Nelson Canada
Family Tradition Continues:
The tradition of making music as a family continues. The family includes erika may’s son Jamie Zane Smith, on sax, flute, guitar, and percussion and his wife, Colleen Rabbitt Smith on guitar and vocals.
The Littles are starting to play too!
Oca plays flute
(ps, keep an eye out for future developments!)
Discography
Cat in a Hat:erika may – vocals / flute, Dave Black – guitar, Willem von Hombracht – bass, Paul DeMarinis – saxophone. a romp of jazz songs including three original songs.In Billy Engel’s recording studio with Dave Black, Willem von Hombracht and Paul DiMarinis
Scenes in Dreams;
erika may vocals / flute, Farshid Soltanshahi – guitar, Billy Engle – side guitar, a set of heartfelt original songs.
La Luna Ladina:
erika may – vocals / guitar, lovely songs from the Sephardic tradition, medieval Spanish, and the Renaissance sung in Spanish, ladino, and Latin.
erika may’s cds are on rotation at KOOT FM 88.1 in Silver City, NM. and on KMKR-LP 99.9fm in Tucson, AZ
Education
erika may attended Webster University of St. Louis Mo. and studied
Jazz Studies with Paul DeMarinis,
Flute performance with Jan Gippo and Janice Smith of the St. Louis Symphony,
Voice with Pat Mankowitz of the St Louis Symphony Chorus, and
obtained a Bachelors of Music degree in Jazz Studies and Flute Performance May of 2001.
Obtained extensive knowledge of music theory, especially jazz theory, scoring and arranging, and music history.
Attended the Baroque Performance Institute and studied early music on recorder and voice.
She also studied with Robert Dick, the pre-eminent avant-guarde flutist, and Betsy Feldman, a noted contemporary classical flutist.
erika may studied voice with Jackie Eckgren, at the Musick Institute of Oslo while living for a year in Norway.
And she studied cello with Mr. Gabriel Morales, former cellist with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington DC, while living in Las Cruces, NM. and with Eilif Gunstrum in Oslo Norway.
She uses her experiences and degrees to teach and taught as an Adjunct instructor at WNMU Music Department as Choir Director, taught Music Appreciation and individual voice coaching.
Currently erika may provides private instruction in flute and cello.
Press
“erika may’s tone is warm and rich, her improvisations wild and free. I’ve worked with her in contexts ranging from Baroque music to vintage dance, to jazz to street bands, and I truly believe she can sing and play anything and give it class” Paul Stamler, radio programmer KDHX, St. Louis
When I listen to Erica’s performances it takes me to different worlds as she sings in other languages and capture the room with a time never forgotten. She truly is a world class musician. Her style is influenced by the places and people she meets and so ever changing. I never know what to expect next!! New instruments keep popping up in her performances.I am looking forward to future inspiration by this talented Goddess. Colleen Smith
“you sound like Florence and the Machine!” Kyle Williams,
“you are the best vocalist I’ve heard at Meramec Vineyards!” Anne Premont
“you remind me of the vocal stylings of Madeleine Peyroux” @ Meramec Vineyards
“Now this is the type of music that should be performed at wineries” Judi Raymond, Peaceful Bend Winery
“you remind me of Nora Jones, and we really like her” Ineka @ private party
“Thank you for your singing and playing at my wedding, it was so special for me” – KH St. Louis
“Your music brings beauty and blesses our Christmas and Easter services” Santa Clara Catholic Church, Santa Clara NM
“strong mature vocals – the exotic “searching for the silence” is my favorite” J. E
.“I love your soulful and jazzy vocals. Great work! Much Love, K. :))”
“Great voice! Keep on doing what you’re doing!” B. A.
“Lovin’ what you’re doin’! Beautiful voice! “Highway one” grabbed me right off! Much success to you!” Z. B
.“Smooth, full-bodied, smart music loaded with style…I enjoyed listening and will be back for more! Latte love, AZW ;)” A.W.
“I love the freedom of your songs and lovely guitar and vocals. Your music creates a warm atmosphere in a class of its own. Best wishes” M-A. F.
© 2022 Goddess Moon Music, All Rights Reserved